Jury Members Share What It Takes to Win Recognition at ACEF Asian Leaders Awards - November 2026, Mumbai

The ACEF Asian Leaders Conference & Awards continues to serve as a premier platform celebrating excellence in Branding & Marketing, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Rural Excellence, Organizational Capabilities and Top Sales Performers across the Asia-Pacific region. Bringing together industry leaders, innovators and professionals, the awards recognise outstanding achievements while encouraging knowledge exchange and networking across the business community.

What the Jury Looks For

As this year’s jury panel prepares to evaluate entries, several members shared their perspective on why recognition matters and what truly stands out in a winning submission.

“Jury Speaks – Jayant Kshirsagar, Co-Founder, Fractional CMO Partners on What Sets Winning Marketing Leaders Apart“

“Jury Speaks – Rekha Weerasooriya, Group Chief People Officer, Dialog Axiata PLC (Sri Lanka) on Recognising People-First Leadership”

Wajinie Mahanama, Associate Vice President & Client Services Director at Mullenlowe Sri Lanka, emphasised the importance of setting a benchmark through recognition:

“Great leadership deserves to be recognised, because excellence sets the benchmark for others to follow. As a Jury Member of the Asian Leaders Awards, I look forward to recognising leaders and organisations demonstrating vision, innovation, integrity, and measurable impact. Chances to shine are not plentiful, so give your teams a chance when you can, on a regional platform., today”

Thanzyl Thajudeen, Managing Director of Mark & Comm (Pvt) Ltd, spoke about why proof matters more than polish in a crowded landscape of claims:

“Recognition matters more now than it did a decade ago, simply because there is so much noise. Everyone is claiming excellence. Very few can actually prove it. That is why awards like the Asian Leaders Awards matter. They force organisations to slow down and articulate what they actually did, not just what they say they stand for. As a Jury Member, what stands out to me is evidence over adjectives. I want to see the problem, the decision made, and the measurable outcome. Entries that lean on buzzwords rarely hold up under scrutiny. The ones that stay with me are honest about challenges and specific about results. My message to anyone considering an entry is simple. Do not wait until your work feels perfect. Submit it. Let the jury see the thinking behind it.”

Sherin Ali, Founder & Director of Thrivez and former Global Lead – CSR at WNS Global Services, brought a heart-led perspective shaped by a decade in CSR leadership:

“I’ve always believed that if you talk from the heart, it reaches the heart. That’s shaped everything I’ve done over ten years leading Global CSR at WNS Global Services, and it’s why I started Thrivez – so young people across the world feel their voice for sustainability and leadership actually counts. When I think about recognition, I don’t think about the trophy. I think about someone finally being seen for the late nights and quiet persistence no one was watching. That matters more today than ever. As a Jury Member, what stands out to me isn’t polish – it’s proof, told honestly, with numbers and heart in equal measure. If you’ve done work you’re proud of, don’t sit on it. Submit your entry. Let it be seen.”